THEC-Crosser was Citroen's first and only attempt at a 4x4 and is an excellent family holdall with added four wheel drive for winter and muddy field security.

It came about through a collaboration with Mitsubishi and partner Peugeot and the only engine worth having is the 2.2 turbo diesel with 150bhp.

This gives excellent acceleration and is smooth, quiet and economical. It drives the front wheels most of the time through a six-speed gearbox, but the rear wheels are brought into play automatically when sensors detect a slippery surface.

Citroen concentrated on giving it good road manners so it's very car-like to drive, hugely comfortable, and has better than average 4x4 handling and road holding.

All models are fitted with stability control but it rarely comes into play because there is so much grip.

Prices are reasonable now since production stopped in 2012, but there aren't many around so finding one not too far away could be difficult.

Space inside is huge, there's plenty of driver's seat adjustment and the two sections of the rear bench seat slide and recline.

All have seven seats, with two tiny children's seats which fold up from the boot floor, six airbags, alarm, a split tailgate and deadlocks.